Reds handed major boost as star Wallaby returns from injury

Wallabies scrum-half Tate McDermott will suit up in Queensland Reds colours for the first time this season, having been named in the run-on side for a must-win Super Rugby Pacific clash with Moana Pasifika in Auckland.

McDermott sustained a hamstring injury against the All Blacks at Eden Park last September, with the Wallabies later confirming the halfback required surgery. The 50-Test Wallaby spent eight months on the sidelines, before returning to the field over the weekend.

The 27-year-old lined up for the University of Queensland in a hard-fought 32-28 win over Souths in Queensland Premier Rugby. McDermott even got on the scoresheet, reaping the rewards of a clever quick tap during the first half.

McDermott showed some positive signs during that performance and is now stepping back into Super Rugby Pacific duty with the Reds. The No. 9 will partner Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon in the halves, while Ben Volavola provides fly-half cover off the bench.

“It was just awesome to get out there for UQ, get the legs ticking over again, feel the lungs burning a bit and shed a few cobwebs,” McDermott said.

“I was on modified training for a while so it’s good to know the chain is off now. Over the past few training weeks, I’ve started to feel how I used to which is really positive.

“I’ve watched a lot of games from the sidelines this year so it’s exciting to get back in there. We’ve got an important couple of weeks coming up leading into finals and I want to play my role.”

George Blake has been retained at loosehead prop, set to pack down alongside Wallaby Josh Nasser and highly rated prospect Massimo De Lutiis. Josh Canham is back for the Reds, lining up alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row.

Joe Brial and Reds captain Fraser McReight are the flankers, while Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson rounds out the loose forwards. Seru Uru and Vaiuta Latu are among the forwards looking to make a difference off the pine.

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Moana Pasifika

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In the backs, utility Filipo Daugunu has been moved away from the wing, partnering Josh Flook in the midfield after being named at inside centre. Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan and Treyvon Pritchard are the wingers, with Jock Campbell starting at fullback.

“Obviously, it’s brilliant to have Tate back. His leadership from the sidelines has been fantastic for us and he now gets out there to help Fraser on the park,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.

“Sharp, keen, energetic, busy…Tate has been all of those things at training and he comes in to start. Kalani (Thomas) and Louis (Werchon) have really stepped up at halfback for us this season. We’ve grown in that position and they will continue to make valuable impact.

“Josh Canham is back at lock with Seru (Uru) now on the bench. Hamish Muller was our Players’ Player last weekend so his teammates recognised his quality.

“We have strength in our back three. It’s Treyvon and Tim who will start on the wing against Moana with Lachie Anderson on the bench.”

This is an important game for the Reds, who are looking to bounce back from a five-point loss to the Western Force in Perth. Queensland are sixth on the ladder with two rounds remaining, but the NSW Waratahs are only two competition points back in seventh.

Queensland Reds to take on Moana Pasifika

1. George Blake – Bond University – The Southport School – Fasi Maufanga Eels, Tonga

2. Josh Nasser – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Easts

3. Massimo De Lutiis – Wests – The Southport School – Surfers Paradise Dolphins

4. Josh Canham – Bond University – Brighton Grammar, Melb – Harlequin RC, Melb

5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths – John Edmondson HS, Sydney – Southern Districts, Sydney

6. Joe Brial – University of Queensland – Scots College – Easts, Sydney

7. Fraser McReight (c) – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies

8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils

9. Tate McDermott (c) – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar – Flinders RC

10. Carter Gordon – Wests – Brisbane Boys’ College – Wests

11. Tim Ryan – Brothers – St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe

12. Filipo Daugunu – Sunnybank – Dogotuki District School, Fiji

13. Josh Flook – Brothers – Nudgee College – Brothers

14. Treyvon Pritchard – Brothers – Anglican Church Grammar School – Springfield Hawks

15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders

16. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar – USQ Saints

17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen – Norths – Wellington College, NZ

18. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles

19. Seru Uru – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli RC, Fiji

20. Vaiuta Latu – Brothers – St Peters Lutheran College – Pine Rivers Pumas

21. Kalani Thomas – Souths – Ipswich Grammar – Souths

22. Ben Volavola – Sunnybank – Newington College – Seaforth Raiders, Sydney

23. Lachie Anderson – University of Queensland – Oakhill College, Sydney – Dural RC, Sydney